The handshake is a common worldwide greeting, but will we continue to shake hands after the quarantine ends? With most people using gloves and a mask, the germ transferring ritual of a handshake has disappeared despite the cultural significance. “The handshake wasn’t born out of courtesy or goodwill, but fear,” said Pamela Eyring, president of […]
https://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Handshake-copy.jpg483724Cathy Heynehttps://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/color2.svgCathy Heyne2020-04-30 16:41:022020-04-30 16:42:05Hand grasping no more
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many firms and organizations to ‘go virtual’ for those whose jobs allow this. It has also created awkward situations for assignees and their sponsoring companies when borders are closed and “shelter in place” orders are given. Our current environment, combined with advanced communication technologies, will have an impact on jobs. […]
https://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Working-from-home.jpg483724Michael Caddenhttps://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/color2.svgMichael Cadden2020-04-16 01:29:572020-04-16 01:29:57Virtual Assignments During the Pandemic
More than half of the world’s population is currently under directives to stay at home. Now, more than ever, traveling virtually can be an interesting, entertaining, and stress alleviating experience. Here’s a selection of virtual getaways, all in destinations covered by Living Abroad: Open Air Museum in La Pincoya (Chile) Live webcams at the Panama […]
https://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/International-Space-Station.jpg471740Erin Fitzgeraldhttps://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/color2.svgErin Fitzgerald2020-04-13 14:16:232020-04-13 14:16:23Interested in a virtual trip?
I bet we’re all tired of the depressing news reports all day long. As the news is currently reported, it’s easy to feel that 90 percent of the world is a disaster and reporters are working to prove this. We usually don’t hear about the millions of successes, only the one failure a million times. Our mental […]
https://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Screen-Shot-2020-04-01-at-9.13.58-AM.png6741502Cathy Heynehttps://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/color2.svgCathy Heyne2020-04-02 22:05:122020-04-02 22:10:06Gimme some good news
Parents of teenagers often have their hands full. Navigating social relationships, marking physical and hormonal changes, perhaps acclimating to secondary/high school, and generally growing into an adult being – all can require parental guidance even as the teen strives for independence. When a move abroad is added to the mix, both teens and parents can […]
https://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Teens.jpg483724Ellen Harrishttps://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/color2.svgEllen Harris2020-04-02 21:59:562020-04-02 21:59:56On the road again - resources for teens
When visiting a Peruvian family, it is customary to bring a gift for the host. While some will bring liquor or chocolate, others choose to send flowers. What kind of flowers should be brought? A. Lilies B. Roses C. Carnations D. Tulips Click here for the answer!
Mobile devices now account for almost half of the globe’s Internet traffic, and their use for contactless payment is also on a dramatic rise. While a number of mass transportation systems around the world have had their own mobile apps for fare payment for a while, there are now systems that accept payment directly from […]
March 8 is International Women’s Day and the theme for 2020 is equality for all. In over 25 countries, it is a public holiday and others is it largely ignored. It can be a day of protest or a day that celebrates womanhood. It is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and […]
https://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/International-Womens-Day-2020.jpg443788Cathy Heynehttps://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/color2.svgCathy Heyne2020-03-05 00:29:302020-03-05 00:29:30Let's support each other
Traveling or living abroad is an all-encompassing experience. Parts of your brain that are usually on autopilot at home tend to come alive with awareness, absorption, and adaptation. But that heightened state doesn’t mean you won’t get distracted. Or forget things. Or leave things behind. A recent article described how efficient the Japanese are at […]
https://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/nyc-lost-and-found.jpg8621150Ellen Harrishttps://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/color2.svgEllen Harris2020-03-05 00:27:042020-03-05 00:30:23Finding what you lost
In Cambodia, which is not a social custom? Taking care not to touch another person’s head. “Pointing” with your palm facing palm. Taking photographs in monasteries. Leaving uneaten food on your plate. Click here for the answer!
https://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Cambodian-Food.jpg483724Michael Caddenhttps://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/color2.svgMichael Cadden2020-02-19 19:07:232020-02-19 19:07:23Which is not a social custom?
Repatriation is commonly cited as one of the most challenging phases in a globally mobile lifestyle. While there is a great deal of support available for assignees in unfamiliar destinations, preparation for a return home can be much more elusive. Many assignees and their families are surprised at how their experiences have changed them, and […]
Is yours one of many companies that is still hesitant to invest in cultural training? Do you question the potential return on investment for soft skills training? Do you believe your employees can develop these skills on the job? By then it may be too late to repair the damage or avoid a costly mistake. […]
https://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Culture-Global.jpg438797Cathy Heynehttps://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/color2.svgCathy Heyne2020-02-19 19:02:422020-02-19 19:02:42Lead the way
“Where will they go to school?” is one of the most critical questions relocating parents ask. Finding an answer can take several paths, depending on what’s available in the host country, what’s important to the parents, and the particular needs or strengths of the child. When all three align on assignment, the resulting educational match […]
https://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Korean-School-Children.jpg512683Ellen Harrishttps://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/color2.svgEllen Harris2020-02-19 19:00:072020-02-19 19:00:07Are your children schooled in what’s important?
In Portugal, exchanging gifts is not expected when doing business, but small social gifts are more common. When invited to a Portuguese home, bringing red carnations should be avoided as they are a symbol of ________. Revolution Bad faith Courage Illness Click here for the answer!
While bushfires are a regular springtime occurrence in Australia, record-breaking hot and dry meteorological patterns are among the factors contributing to their current unprecedented scale and intensity. To date, at least 27 people and an estimated 1.25 billion animals have died due to this season’s bushfires, and over 72300 sq km/18 million acres of land have been […]
https://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Australian-fires.jpg485719Erin Fitzgeraldhttps://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/color2.svgErin Fitzgerald2020-01-22 18:27:122020-01-22 18:27:12The Australian bushfires: Five facts, and ten ways to help
While medical issues are stressful in any location, they can be especially daunting in a new and unfamiliar environment. Here are some ways you and your family can reduce the risk of health issues while abroad, even before you depart for assignment: Research and schedule Are there any regional outbreaks, diseases, or health hazards […]
https://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/healthcare.jpg225225Erin Fitzgeraldhttps://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/color2.svgErin Fitzgerald2020-01-22 18:15:302020-01-22 18:16:55Plan ahead for health
It’s the beginning of 2020 and time for another year of corporate travel, which is crucial for any business. Customer meetings still top the list as the reason for business travel, with average travel plans ranging from once or twice a month to once every two months. Business travel supports business goals, skills development, recruitment and initiatives […]
https://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Business-Travel-2020.jpg483724Cathy Heynehttps://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/color2.svgCathy Heyne2020-01-09 17:51:572020-01-09 17:51:57A new decade for business travel
Another leap year is upon us. And while none of us was around back in Julius Caesar’s day, most people know that calendars back then had fewer days per year, which threw off the seasons over time. The 46 B.C. Julian calendar reformed the previous Roman one, bringing the number of days to 365 and […]
Planning to step off your next flight and into a van or a sedan? You might want to plan ahead. The end of 2019 will also bring the end of a business long familiar to many air travelers. Last week, the airport shuttle service SuperShuttle announced that it will close worldwide after December 31. (Customers […]
https://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/178064_supershuttle_van.jpeg600800Erin Fitzgeraldhttps://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/color2.svgErin Fitzgerald2019-12-27 17:36:202019-12-27 17:36:20Don't get stuck this holiday season!
If expats don’t travel back to their home countries, how do they make the best of the holiday season away from home? Their adopted countries’ holiday traditions may be very different from those back home. Many expats bring their own personal and cultural traditions with them, and even incorporate some new traditions from their host country. […]
https://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Lisbon-at-Christmas.jpg725482Cathy Heynehttps://www.livingabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/color2.svgCathy Heyne2019-12-27 17:34:252019-12-27 17:34:25How do expats celebrate the holidays?
Hand grasping no more
/in Articles, Home Page News Message /by Cathy HeyneThe handshake is a common worldwide greeting, but will we continue to shake hands after the quarantine ends? With most people using gloves and a mask, the germ transferring ritual of a handshake has disappeared despite the cultural significance. “The handshake wasn’t born out of courtesy or goodwill, but fear,” said Pamela Eyring, president of […]
Virtual Assignments During the Pandemic
/in Articles, Home Page News Message /by Michael CaddenThe Covid-19 pandemic has caused many firms and organizations to ‘go virtual’ for those whose jobs allow this. It has also created awkward situations for assignees and their sponsoring companies when borders are closed and “shelter in place” orders are given. Our current environment, combined with advanced communication technologies, will have an impact on jobs. […]
Interested in a virtual trip?
/in Articles, Home Page News Message /by Erin FitzgeraldMore than half of the world’s population is currently under directives to stay at home. Now, more than ever, traveling virtually can be an interesting, entertaining, and stress alleviating experience. Here’s a selection of virtual getaways, all in destinations covered by Living Abroad: Open Air Museum in La Pincoya (Chile) Live webcams at the Panama […]
Gimme some good news
/in Articles, Home Page News Message /by Cathy HeyneI bet we’re all tired of the depressing news reports all day long. As the news is currently reported, it’s easy to feel that 90 percent of the world is a disaster and reporters are working to prove this. We usually don’t hear about the millions of successes, only the one failure a million times. Our mental […]
On the road again – resources for teens
/in Articles, Home Page News Message /by Ellen HarrisParents of teenagers often have their hands full. Navigating social relationships, marking physical and hormonal changes, perhaps acclimating to secondary/high school, and generally growing into an adult being – all can require parental guidance even as the teen strives for independence. When a move abroad is added to the mix, both teens and parents can […]
Chocolate, liquor, flowers
/in Articles, Home Page News Message /by Cathy HeyneWhen visiting a Peruvian family, it is customary to bring a gift for the host. While some will bring liquor or chocolate, others choose to send flowers. What kind of flowers should be brought? A. Lilies B. Roses C. Carnations D. Tulips Click here for the answer!
Tap and Ride
/in Articles, Home Page News Message /by Erin FitzgeraldMobile devices now account for almost half of the globe’s Internet traffic, and their use for contactless payment is also on a dramatic rise. While a number of mass transportation systems around the world have had their own mobile apps for fare payment for a while, there are now systems that accept payment directly from […]
Let’s support each other
/in Articles, Home Page News Message /by Cathy HeyneMarch 8 is International Women’s Day and the theme for 2020 is equality for all. In over 25 countries, it is a public holiday and others is it largely ignored. It can be a day of protest or a day that celebrates womanhood. It is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and […]
Finding what you lost
/in Articles, Home Page News Message /by Ellen HarrisTraveling or living abroad is an all-encompassing experience. Parts of your brain that are usually on autopilot at home tend to come alive with awareness, absorption, and adaptation. But that heightened state doesn’t mean you won’t get distracted. Or forget things. Or leave things behind. A recent article described how efficient the Japanese are at […]
Which is not a social custom?
/in Articles, Home Page News Message /by Michael CaddenIn Cambodia, which is not a social custom? Taking care not to touch another person’s head. “Pointing” with your palm facing palm. Taking photographs in monasteries. Leaving uneaten food on your plate. Click here for the answer!
You’re coming home
/in Articles, Home Page News Message /by Erin FitzgeraldRepatriation is commonly cited as one of the most challenging phases in a globally mobile lifestyle. While there is a great deal of support available for assignees in unfamiliar destinations, preparation for a return home can be much more elusive. Many assignees and their families are surprised at how their experiences have changed them, and […]
Lead the way
/in Articles, Home Page News Message /by Cathy HeyneIs yours one of many companies that is still hesitant to invest in cultural training? Do you question the potential return on investment for soft skills training? Do you believe your employees can develop these skills on the job? By then it may be too late to repair the damage or avoid a costly mistake. […]
Are your children schooled in what’s important?
/in Articles, Home Page News Message /by Ellen Harris“Where will they go to school?” is one of the most critical questions relocating parents ask. Finding an answer can take several paths, depending on what’s available in the host country, what’s important to the parents, and the particular needs or strengths of the child. When all three align on assignment, the resulting educational match […]
When in Portugal…
/in Articles /by Cathy HeyneIn Portugal, exchanging gifts is not expected when doing business, but small social gifts are more common. When invited to a Portuguese home, bringing red carnations should be avoided as they are a symbol of ________. Revolution Bad faith Courage Illness Click here for the answer!
The Australian bushfires: Five facts, and ten ways to help
/in Articles /by Erin FitzgeraldWhile bushfires are a regular springtime occurrence in Australia, record-breaking hot and dry meteorological patterns are among the factors contributing to their current unprecedented scale and intensity. To date, at least 27 people and an estimated 1.25 billion animals have died due to this season’s bushfires, and over 72300 sq km/18 million acres of land have been […]
Plan ahead for health
/in Articles /by Erin FitzgeraldWhile medical issues are stressful in any location, they can be especially daunting in a new and unfamiliar environment. Here are some ways you and your family can reduce the risk of health issues while abroad, even before you depart for assignment: Research and schedule Are there any regional outbreaks, diseases, or health hazards […]
A new decade for business travel
/in Articles, Home Page News Message, News /by Cathy HeyneIt’s the beginning of 2020 and time for another year of corporate travel, which is crucial for any business. Customer meetings still top the list as the reason for business travel, with average travel plans ranging from once or twice a month to once every two months. Business travel supports business goals, skills development, recruitment and initiatives […]
Leaping into 2020
/in Articles, Home Page News Message, News /by Ellen HarrisAnother leap year is upon us. And while none of us was around back in Julius Caesar’s day, most people know that calendars back then had fewer days per year, which threw off the seasons over time. The 46 B.C. Julian calendar reformed the previous Roman one, bringing the number of days to 365 and […]
Don’t get stuck this holiday season!
/in Articles /by Erin FitzgeraldPlanning to step off your next flight and into a van or a sedan? You might want to plan ahead. The end of 2019 will also bring the end of a business long familiar to many air travelers. Last week, the airport shuttle service SuperShuttle announced that it will close worldwide after December 31. (Customers […]
How do expats celebrate the holidays?
/in Articles /by Cathy HeyneIf expats don’t travel back to their home countries, how do they make the best of the holiday season away from home? Their adopted countries’ holiday traditions may be very different from those back home. Many expats bring their own personal and cultural traditions with them, and even incorporate some new traditions from their host country. […]